Phenomenally penned, Tim. You’re a great storyteller my friend, felt like a western to me. Excellent write. Appreciate you.

Damian

This does give a western vibe. I like the listening to the tree to hear the screaming.

I normally do not read the short story section, but I was curious, so…
Revenge is sometimes blinding. This write shows that to be true.
Your story reads fluid, interesting, carrying the scenes forward really well. The epilogue (of sorts) leaves the reader pondering, perhaps for a continuation.
Great write, Tim.

This was very engaging. Some of those dead have unfinished business. Great ink.

Hi Tim!
This reminds me of an episode of Hell on Wheels! And the pic really reinforces the tone of the story.
Gritty with emotion and guns. How it was back then. Black and white with a lot of dust instead of grey.
Truly enjoyed the read amigo. It’s nice seeing friends post in different categories.

Tim you have mastered the art of putting so much action, plot development, and powerfully emotional story telling into the short story form. This takes you into the heart of Joshua and his tragic mistake leading to his ending. Gritty and strong telling of this tale that engaged me as I read. Not a line wasted. A perfect economy of words that brings this tale home in a big way.

John

This is so tender
Favorite part is how you ended it

“with not one hint

of a beginning, no signs of a

middle nor trace of an imminent end even”

“These words may have no beginning”… they have no end either… Enchanting, captivating, breathtaking… passionate as only how passion should be. this is a masterpiece of poetry and love, though the reader smiles as they read, yet it pulls a tender tear from the heart, a tear of love. Mr. Ken would be joyous reading this. beyond gorgeous….

Beautiful work.

Beautifully penned, Neville. A very delicate write my friend. Excellent work.. Appreciate you.

Damian

After reading the comments above, what could I possibly say? Hopefully, and it’s not just my wishful thinking it is the end part that is “real”. But that middle should be “real” as well. Damn Neville, your poem makes the reader (me) hope it is all “real” (and yes, even the fantasy parts!!) The sum of all these parts is: I loved reading your poem, Neville!!!!!!!!!

Curt

“useful idiots prefer brutality” killer fuckin line. excellent write.

So relatable… nicely done

Thanks so much for reading and your kind words, Mary. So glad you connected with the write my friend. I want music for this one. Currently I’m working on a song called, “Novocain.” The words are posted here on the site. I got the music laid out, got the growls recorded, trying to get a good vocal take on the verses and bridge. Which requires me to sing. lol. Glad to see you back! Appreciate you.

Damian

Brilliantly written socially critical text, dear Damien! You will definitely make a killer song out of it!

This is by far one of your best poems, Damian. Every stanza kicks ass. I like the Lennon reference and where you went with it. Great one!

Well this is strong! Like flexing on a page. It’s tight with its rhymes and meter, like a pro boxer hitting us with a thesaurus!
(damn, that’s a clever description, huh! LOL)
Powerful write, Damian. Golden gloves…

Thanks, Mary. Appreciate you.

Damian

Some people have no soul. The sad part is they thrive in their own filth. Great ink friend.

Enjoyed this poem immensely. From the rhymes, to the flow to the powerful message. Outstanding job Damian.

Thoroughly enjoyed from end to end .. No kiddin, write on brother .. Neville 😎👍

Fantastic work.

This is strong as straight vodka on the morning after the Bolshevik revolution in Russia. Very strong my friend. Truly a power tonic in this age of authoritarianism in America. You hit the bullseye. You are a master at writing song lyrics that rock my soul.

John

You know, there are times I wish you weren’t so nail on the head accurate. But these are dark days we’re entered into. Best to look them square in the eye. Brilliantly penned, my friend. Into the list it goes, as you say!

I always like it when someone starts with an object, “Apple,” and ends with the same object. This is good. I enjoyed it.

Yeesh! I’m hoping Del skips this one! (we’re planning a ’27 wedding). lol.
Your poetic strength is maybe lost on some readers, because you go deep like this. There’s geometry in this creation, angles and dark corners. I can take the weight, though, when reading your powerful lines. Because there is reward in finding the meanings and how we perceive it all. Outstanding depth here.

As always Mark, I’m so pleased someone gets me.

I remember this song well. Tremendous work. You nailed it.

She was “tasty”…er… perhaps I should have kept that to myself. ;0) In the end, though, she was the one who consumed me. Isn’t this the way all ‘obsessions’ end?!!

Mary, searching for and posting this older poem, was worth getting the comment you left. I’m glad you “loved everything about it.”